MMORPGs and MMOs are two hugely popular genres within video games. MMORPG stands for massively multiplayer online role-playing games, with MMO standing for just massively multiplayer online (game). Based on these acronyms, it's plausible that MMO is just a shortened version of MMORPG, but this isn't entirely true.

While these words are sometimes interchanged within the gaming community, did you know that there is a difference between the two? Here, we are going ✤to take a look at the key differences between MMORPGs and MMOs. This will cover the specifics of both types, as well as some❀ examples of each so you can visualize the two.

What Is An MMORPG?

Massively multiplayer online role-playing games are games with huge numbers of players that lean into the RPG aspect of the game. RPGs (role-playing games) involve p𝄹layers filling the shoes of a fictional character (that you can customize yourself) in a new and fictional world.

MMORPGs are 'massively multiplayer' because you are playing with thousands of players all at the same time, with the potential of hundreds being in the same instance.

By interacting with other players and NPCs, the world around you will fill out, creating a rich and complex environment. When you approac🐈h ꧙another player, you are two inhabitants of the world, rather than two gamers sitting at two different computers.

MMORPG Examples

Below, you can take a look at sꦇome of the most popular MMORPGs out there.

• Final Fantasy 14
• Guild Wars 2
• World of Warcraft
• Black Desert Online
• Wizard101
• Runescape
• Lord of the Rings Online

Overall, these games all contain a unique world of their own.

What Is An MMO?

MMOs drop the 'RPG' aspect of MMORPGs, encompassing a wider genre of games. The massively multiplayer of the game remains, so you'll be playing with possibly hundreds of other players on the same server, but the genre can vary.

For example, it's possible for an MMO to be a Battle Royale, but MMORPGs are not Battle Royale games. Overall, all MMORPGs are MMOs, but not all MMOs are MMORPGs.

MMO Examples

Below, you can check out some MMOs that aren't RPGs. It's important to note that there aren't as many non-MMORPGs as there are MMORPGs. Additionally, some games are MMO-like, leaning more into their second genre (such as FPS) instead of the MMO aspect.

• Fortnite
• Planetside 2
• Destiny 2
• Enlisted
• World of Tanks
• Sea of Thieves

In general, a lot of games that aren't MMORPGs have some debate about whether they fit into the MMO category or not, as it can be a bit more vague.